Integrity - doing what is right even when no one is looking. That is a difficult task to maintain. It is often easier said than done. It frequently carries with it a heavy burden or cost. Showing integrity will not always get you the popular vote, but it is always necessary. The loss of trust can ruin a relationship when your integrity is called into question. Integrity is a universal best practice in a life worth living. For leaders, it is essential - whether you are leading a nation, a business, a school, a church, or even a family.
Let me begin there, with the family. Your family is most likely the smallest group of people you come in contact with daily but they are the most important. As a leader in your family you set the example for your children, spouse, and extended family. It is also the place where you are the most likely to let our guard down. Does your family know that you mean what you say and say what you mean? Can they trust the words you say? Do your actions match your words? Do they see you struggle through situations but come out of them with your integrity still in tact? As a wife and mom, I want my family to see me for who I am. I want them to be able to trust the things I say. I want them to know my struggles, but know that I'll persevere through them. What an amazing character trait to be able to share with those I love!
What if you have not shown the best example of integrity at home around your family? Start today. Begin by having an open conversation with them about it. Apologize. Show them that change is possible and communicate openly about tough situations. Your family can learn valuable lessons in forgiveness and the ability to make positive changes amidst challenges as you work on building up your integrity.
In our workplace...we all lead someone. Even if you are the low man on the totem pole people still look to you and you need to do your job with integrity. Take no short cuts. Don't do tasks half-heartedly. Do those you work with see you making decisions based on what is best and right to do or based on what will make you look good? Do you complete your tasks to the best of your ability or only complete the bare minimum? Are you known for speaking honestly or for talking out of both sides of your mouth? Do you know what you stand for and do you stand for it?
What if you have not shown the best example of integrity in your workplace? Start today. Apologize. Move forward with integrity from this point forward. Figure out what you believe in and hold true to it. Creating an atmosphere where people know it is okay to make mistakes and move forward will transform your staff.
Integrity is needed in life to build a level of trust with those in which we have contact. If we are seen as lacking integrity we will be dismissed as irrelevant. We cannot positively impact the people in our lives if they have cannot trust us. What a better first best practice to discuss than integrity. We cannot build relationships and impact lives without it.
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